Fr Jim Norris was one Priest that helped discern the way to greater love, and it's true meaning to me. There are different ways of course, free will is part of God's design for the human race and we often ask why. Fr Kelly, said "because God wants human beings not mules". You have to read that with an Irish accent.
The monastic life and my experiences is something I will have to write about. Stability is my pet subject at the moment.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Vatican to UN: 100 thousand Christians killed for the faith each yearA statement released by the religious reports how the minors are humiliated. Even parents are threatened, abused in their presence, deprived of all kinds of goods such as personal items, mobiles and computers. These children are terrified, afraid of being raped and abused again in the house. The religious insist that despite the complaints against the police and the sentences of the courts of justice, the fundamental rights of children continue to be violated.http://www.news.va/en/news/eternity-will-not-be-boring“Everything is joy. But we Christians, we are not used to talking about joy, about happiness. I think that many times we prefer complaints! What is joy? The key to understanding this joy is in the Gospel: 'Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit'. What gives us joy is the Holy Spirit.

Tracing the genesis of the Boko Haram crisis in the country, the Bishops noted: "what started as a mere clash between law enforcement agencies and members of the Islamic sect Boko Haram has since spiraled into what can be best described as a low intensity war especially in some northern states of the country." http://www.catholicarchdioceseofabuja.org/index.php/about-us

Thursday, May 23, 2013

"Wednesday 22 May, during the General Audience in St Peter's Square; a language that is capable of taking words of reconciliation, forgiveness, peace, unity, and love to all parts of the world. It is the language of the Holy Spirit which, on the day of Pentecost, “releases ever new energy for mission, new ways in which to proclaim the message of salvation” and a new courage to evangelize."

We must picture ourselves before the throne of God. Try and picture our judgment. What sentence would the just and omnipotent judge pass on us? Try and anticipate the sentence. No use bluffing yourself, God knows your most inner thoughts. The devil would use everything against me. My guardian Angel would reproach me. The just and all holy judge, may love me but He hates my sin. Have I used hypocrisy in my best actions. Do they appear good but really an ulterior motive behind them. e.g. would I stay a quarter of a hour longer in the chapel to show how holy I was? If I have made this meditation badly it will count against me as by doing so I have spurned God’s graces which are bountiful in a meditation. The meditation adds to my responsibility. I can’t plead ignorance to the Almighty judge. I couldn’t ask for one day more to repent. Keep yourself free from sin now, so that you won’t need the extra day. Keep to the truth. What penances have I done during life. When have I mortified myself. What effort have I made to overcome my passions and become detached from worldly attractions? God has given me all the grace I need. (FR NORRIS SPIRITUAL DIARY 1941)

How can the Church boost its pastoral assistance to the victims of forced migration, especially at a time when more and more people worldwide are being forced to flee their homes largely because of conflict or persecution? This is the main topic being discussed by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People at its meeting in the Vatican this week. http://www.news.va/en/news/pontifical-council-on-challenges-of-reaching-out-t

"The Lord created us in His image and likeness, and we are the image of the Lord, and He does good and all of us have this commandment at heart: do good and do not do evil.

“Every religious,” said Our Lord to St Gertrude, is
obliged to labor for the correction and sanctification of his brethren. He
should advise them of their faults, or acquaint the Superior with them, that
they may be remedied. Let no one shirk this positive duty, excusing himself by
saying “it is not my place to correct others,” or “I am no better than they
are.” Such conduct is like that of Cain whose answer to God’s inquiry about his
brother was “Am I my brother’s keeper?” It is I who wary every religious that
if, through his negligence or indifference, his brethren perish, I will demand
of him an account of these souls, more rigorous, perhaps, in some instances,
that of the Superiors themselves; for circumstances may prevent the latter from
remarking defects that others, in a different position, see readily.” (Fr Norris spiritual diary)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4z-KhVGokU Charity is....

On Sunday, 19 svibnja 2013th, mass was celebrated at Our Lady's Square in front of the Cathedral of Mostar Mother Church was celebrated Feast of the Holy Spirit. Eucharist was presided by the Apostolic Nuncio to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Archbishop Pezzuto Liugi .Reconcillation is never easy but the country is making good progress. God willing.

Papa Francesco to the participants in the Pontifical Missionerie (17 May 2013)They call it "Pontifical" because they are directly available from the Bishop of Rome, with the specific purpose to act so that it is offered to all the precious gift of the Gospel. They are fully present, indeed necessary even today, because there are so many people who have not yet known and met Christ, and it is urgent to find new forms and new ways for the grace of God can touch the heart of every man and every woman and We bring to Him all are simple, but important tools, and we have received the gift of faith is not to hide it, but to spread it, so that it can illuminate the path of so many brothers.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

USCCB Blog: Five Things To Remember On May 14: 1. Masses in Washington and Baltimore will frame the second Fortnight for Freedom , which will last June 21-July 4. Archbishop William E. L... 2. Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl project was a rousing success, raising millions of dollars to combat hunger. See how people's generosity is changing lives.. There are 70 days left until millions of young people go to World Youth Day in Rio. Find out all you need to know at usccb.org/wyd.

On 19 May 2013, Pentecost Sunday, at 10:30 am, on St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father Francis will celebrate Mass for the members of the Movements, new communities, associations and lay groups around the world, come as pilgrims in Rome at the ' Year of Faith. Let us ask for the grace of humility and meekness and that in this time of the Holy Spirit we may have a big heart.http://www.vatican.va/video/index.html

"Friday’s meeting between the Catholic and Oriental Orthodox popes comes 40 years to the day after the first historic encounter between Pope Paul VI....

Forty years ago the Common Declaration of our predecessors represented a milestone on the ecumenical journey, and from it emerged a Commission for Theological Dialogue between our Churches, which has yielded good results and has prepared the ground for a broader dialogue between the Catholic Church and the entire family of Oriental Orthodox Churches, a dialogue that continues to bear fruit to this day."

Francis and all the previous Popes that worked hard for unity have reason to celebrate and it is with joy that we Catholics welcome our holy brothers and sisters and pray that united in Baptism we may be united by the Chalice also.

The Service of Authority and Obedience "Considering, however, some elements of this cultural influence, it must be remembered that the desire for self-realization can at times enter into conflict with community projects , and the pursuit of personal well-being, both spiritual and material, can make it difficult to complete dedication to service the common mission, the visions are too subjective of the charism and apostolic service can weaken the collaboration and sharing.But it is not impossible that in some settings the opposite problems are prevalent, determined by an unbalanced vision on the side of the community and the excessive uniformity, with the risk of stifling the growth and responsibility of the individual. It's not easy to strike a balance between the individual and community, and therefore also between authority and obedience."

The Fr Norris diary has a problem when elements of cultural influence, self-realization and definitely can conflict with the parish community and the common mission. It may be that the disabled or diversely able may fit into the too subjective charism. But it may have a place, who knows the Will of God? Jesus! Let us follow His example and not be afraid.

It is brave of you to come here in this rain … May the Lord bless you abundantly!

As part of the journey of the Year of Faith, I am happy to celebrate this Eucharist dedicated in a special way to confraternities: a traditional reality in the Church, which in recent times has experienced renewal and rediscovery. " Pope Francis

This New Evangelization is a constant part of the driving force in reform, we are trying to implement the tenants of Vat II but it not a short term fix.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Pope Francis: Mary, give us the grace to be signs and tools of life!"The “Salus Populi Romani” is the mother that looks after our growth, she helps us face and overcome problems, she gives us freedom when we make important decisions; she is the mother who teaches us to be fruitful of good, joy, hope, to give life to others, both physical and spiritual life."

What to say about Mary, there is so much she did for the Church. Bringing Jesus up is just thing that we focus on and the relationship is always important to reflect upon. The joy midst the trails of living under Roman occupation. Justice is never easy to achieve and cycles violence if it is not carefully treated. Pope Francis reminds us of the importance of humility and meekness, qualities that Mary posses. Let us try and emulate her ministry with kindness in charity towards others.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Pope Francis at Mass: fighting evil with meekness and humilityPeace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.What a good Homily to the point, I do notice that Francis is using 'the prince of this world' maybe a softer less scary word than satan or the devil but do you think it dis-empowers all the devil worshipers? I hope so. I believe the reading today is reminding us not to be afraid but remember that Jesus is here, with the Advocate."Here then is the reason that the hatred and persecution continue from the early days of the Church even unto the present day. There are, “Many persecuted Christian communities in the world,” said Pope Francis, noting with bitterness, “indeed there are more persecuted communities in this time than in the early days: today, right now, in this day and in this hour.” Asking himself why this is the case, the Pope said, “Because the spirit of the world hates.”

Friday, May 3, 2013

"Pope Francis concelebrated with Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and mass was attended by the Pontifical Swiss Guard with their commander Daniel Rudolf Anrig. On Sunday May 6th, the guard will hold their annual celebration, commemorating the last stand of 1527 with Mass and the swearing in of new recruits."Pope Francis makes a good point about courage, we must live in the kingdom of God not in this temporal vain world concerned with vanity and ambition.VA NEWS"When the Church loses courage, the Church enters into a ‘lukewarm’ atmosphere. The lukewarm, lukewarm Christians, without courage ... That hurts the Church so much, because this tepid atmosphere draws you inside, and problems arise among us; we no longer have the horizon, or courage to pray towards heaven, or the courage to proclaim the Gospel. We are lukewarm ... We have the courage to get involved in our small things in our jealousies, our envy, our careerism, in selfishly going forward ... In all these things, but this is not good for the Church: the Church must be courageous! We all have to be courageous in prayer, in challenging Jesus!".

Take courage, remembering former occasions, He always returns. Above all
rejoice at your cross, embrace it with love and do your best. Do not seek any
consolation in creatures, mortify yourself more. We are just beginning the
Novena to the Sacred Heart. How pure is that loving heart. Compare it to your
defiled heart, so often sullied by love of creatures, so lukewarm, so downcast
at times so feeble. Obtain strength from that loving tower of strength and
love. You should make it your ambition in all things to do as Jesus did. Poor,
derided, mocked, neglected, despised, misunderstood-nobody loved Him. Love to
be in want so that you can trust and rely fully upon Him. What a terrible thing
though to have attachment to creatures. Suppose God desired your soul tonight.
As John says the Holy Spirit guides different souls along different paths
according to the work he has mapped out for each –and of course the destiny of
the soul.

UNRWA marked International Labour Day yesterday with a celebration to recognize the work of the Agency’s Job Creation Programme (JCP), which provides temporary job opportunities and creates sustainable projects for thousands of Palestine refugees.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

No unilateral agreement can be reached unless both parties are willing to give a little more than they are willing. How to resolve conflict? Vows of poverty chastity and obedience are the only way people can live together under the communion with God. He is the link that brings people together and resolves conflict by the love that Jesus teaches.

Peace, true peace, cannot be bought. It is a gift of God – a gift he offers to his Church and in order to obtain it Christians must continue to entrust the Church to God, who alone can take care of her and defend her from the wiles of the Evil One. http://www.news.va/en/news/far-from-worldliness.